AEM Brute Force Intake Installation

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sweetcarz02

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I created this write up for our website and figured I would share it here. It was a super simple installation and took less than one hour. It has the tools you will need itemized so you can be prepared before receiving your product. The car is a 2006 Tahoe LT. Here is the installation process:


2005ChevroletTahoe.AEMBruteForceIntake.Install1.jpg


Things Needed for Installation:
10mm Socket
5/16" Nut Driver
Pocket Screwdriver
Pliers
Extension
Ratchet
10mm Wrench

Level of Difficulty:
MODERATELY EASY

We ran over to the AEM facilities today so we could get a Brute Force intake system installed on our Project Tow Vehicle. The Brute Force part number is 21-8000 which has a dryflow filter that means no oil required. Here are all the parts that come with your purchase of the AEM Brute Force intake system.

2005ChevroletTahoe.AEMBruteForceIntake.Install2.jpg


Our polished Brute Force intake was ready to install once we started removing all the stock plastic air box parts in the car. Since we opted for the polished pipe you can keep it clean with a simple aluminum polish. If you purchased a powder coated pipe make sure you don't use aluminum polish and opt for some window cleaner to get the job done.

2005ChevroletTahoe.AEMBruteForceIntake.Install3.jpg



For starters you have to remove the MAF sensor attached to the air box and all the other plastic junk in the car to expose the throttle body at the front of the engine. Once you have removed everything it should like like the image below.

2005ChevroletTahoe.AEMBruteForceIntake.Install4.jpg



This is what your engine bay will look like once the factory intake pieces have been removed. Once we remove the factory lower air brace and install the heat shield we can start connecting the new AEM intake to the throttle body.

2005ChevroletTahoe.AEMBruteForceIntake.Install5.jpg



The coolant reservoir should be disconnected by removing two nuts. You won't need to disconnect any hoses or anything from the reservoir but just rest it to the side so you can remove the air cleaner box brace and install the heat shield.

2005ChevroletTahoe.AEMBruteForceIntake.Install6.jpg



Now you attach a 90 degree coupler to the throttle body and then connect the intake pipe. Once that is secured you will want take the support tab and secure the intake to the heat shield.

2005ChevroletTahoe.AEMBruteForceIntake.Install7.jpg



You can see a polished bracket at the bottom of the intake which is connected to the heat shield. The heat shield is black and a tad hard to see in the image but the washer/nut you which secures the intake pipe tab and heat shield is seen in the bottom of the picture.

2005ChevroletTahoe.AEMBruteForceIntake.Install8.jpg



The image above is a quick assembly created with a filter adapter, the Mass Air Flow Sensor, and the reducing coupler. You can use the supplied hose clamps and one stock hose clamp that is attached to the MAF sensor. You just quickly insert the assembly on to the pipe and connect your MAF wire harness back which was disconnected when removing the factory air intake system. The last thing to do before your installation is complete is to put on the filter.

2005ChevroletTahoe.AEMBruteForceIntake.Install9.jpg


The filter is pretty large and the best way it seems to get it on the intake is to drop it cone top first into the fender well and then rotate the filter opening onto the reducing coupler you already have attached to the MAF. Once you get the filter in place you can tighten it up and be ready to hit the road.

2005ChevroletTahoe.AEMBruteForceIntake.Install10.jpg



AEM also provides a CARB *identification sticker which we placed right in front of the filter on our car. The intake is a 50 state legal product including approval from the California Air Resource Board (CARB). This certification is important to have when purchasing an intake you intend to drive on the street.
 

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